Bronstead-Lowry Theory

• Arrhenius (or hydrolisis) has some shortcomings, therfore a more comprehensive theory is needed (BLT)
• Bronstead-Lowry Theory (BLT):

  • Acid - an entity that donates a proton, H+
  • Base - an entity that accepts a proton, H+
• every BLT reaction has 2 conjugate acid-base pairs

  ex. CH3COOH and CH3COO-

  • Conjugate acids and bases differ by one H+ abd are next to each other in the data booklet
• only transfer one proton (H+) at a time in BLT reactions
• Amphiprotic - entities that can both accept and donate a proton. Whether it is an acid or a base depends on what it is paired with
• favours products (>50%)

  SA down to B-

  WA down to B-
• favors reactants (<50%)

  WA up to B-